Your guide to the 2013 ALA elections

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CHICAGO — As the American Library Association (ALA) gears up for its 2013 elections, an electronic election guide is once again available to help inform members about the candidates and the election process. “Your Guide to the 2013 ALA Elections” contains general information about the ALA presidency, recent ALA presidential initiatives and biographical information about the two presidential candidates. Information about the ALA treasurer and the two treasurer candidates is also provided, as well as information about ALA Council, recent Council actions and links to information about this year’s 76 Council candidates.

For the fifth year in a row, the American Library Association is holding its election exclusively online. To be eligible to vote, individuals must be members in good standing as of January 31, 2013.

Polls will open at 9 a.m. CDT on March 19, 2013. Between March 19 and March 21, the ALA will notify voters by email, providing them with their unique passcodes and information about how to vote online. The polls close on Friday, April 26 at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Although we do plan to implement ballot access via the ALA website, this feature will not be available for the 2013 elections.

On May 3, the Election Committee will meet at the ALA offices to certify the election. Election results will be released following that meeting

Although the election is being conducted online, there remains one exception. Members with disabilities and without Internet access may obtain a paper ballot by contacting ALA customer service at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5. Those without Internet access at home or work can easily access the election site by visiting their local public (or in many instances academic or school) library.

Become an educated voter and check out “Your Guide to the 2013 ALA Elections” and then cast your vote when the polls open!